The diseased turned up in a mosquito pool collected on July 9 in the town of Easton. As a result, the state officials have put Easton, Taunton, and Raynham on high alert.

“It’s circulating early,” DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Al DeMaria said of EEE.“This is also an important reminder for individuals to take simple, common-sense steps to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.”

There have been no human cases of West Nile virus or EEE so far this year.

Last year, Massachusetts saw two human cases of EEE, both in August.

EEE is usually spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can be deadly.

In response to the discovery of EEE, Raynham officials have already begun advising outdoor activities to conclude by dusk.